The Assets Recovery Committee set up by Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to trace all moveable and immovable assets from officials of the Samuel Ortom-led administration has confiscated over 30 vehicles and Hilux vans.
The directive was issued by Governor Alia in June 2023, when he appointed a committee chaired by Hingah Biem.
The committee’s primary objective was to conduct a thorough assessment of all government assets, including lands, vehicles, houses, furniture, and machinery, to initiate their recovery.
The committee executed its mission on Tuesday July 11, 2023, by descending upon the automobile workshop situated along the Makurdi/Otukpo road where they proceeded to seize the vehicles.
Biem addressed journalists Tuesday night after Channels Television trailed the process of removing the vehicles from the London line auto-mechanic workshop allegedly owned by one of Ortom’s associates.
The official said other locations have been identified as the recovery process is still ongoing.
In response to the development, Ortom, through his media aide, Terver Akase, said that the Alia administration is persecuting him and all known associates.
He further stated that there are records and proof of how past governors and their appointees are allowed to buy off their official vehicles to serve them after office.